The "Play Production" is an ongoing student activity in the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies. Intended originally for students of British and American Studies, it was opened up for students of other subjects from the very beginning. Founded in 1976 by lecturer Martin Winks, the English Drama Group provides an opportunity for students to use their English in the context of stage productions, and at the same time introduces participants to the theory and practice of theatre.  Participants are involved in all stages of the production, including the selection of the play, and in addition to their stage roles, are involved in multiple organisational tasks and artistic decisions. Since 2009 the group has been run entirely by students, and has gone from strength to strength, with side-projects and spinoffs proliferating. The main EDG performance usually takes place in the week after the end of term, and attracts an audience not just of students and staff from the English section, but so many fans from the wider populace that there is sometimes standing-room only in the venues. Entrance is free, though members of the audience are invited to make donations afterwards to support future productions.